Aviva Premiership: Juan Pablo Socino has joined Newcastle Falcons

Juan Pablo Socino has joined Newcastle Falcons, while Dom Barrow and Scott Wilson have signed contract extensions.

Last Updated: 19/03/14 9:42am

Juan Pablo Socino: Will be joining Newcastle next season

Argentinean centre Socino, 25, has been signed from Rotherham Titans after leading the Championship scoring charts.

The Buenos Aires-born goal-kicking ace has penned a two-year deal at Kingston Park and he is looking forward to the step up to the Aviva Premiership.

"It's a dream come true to move to Newcastle Falcons and play in the Aviva Premiership," he said.

"My biggest dream is to get myself in contention for Argentina, and playing for Newcastle will enhance my chances."

The club have secured the services of second-row Barrow and tighthead Wilson for a further two years as it builds for the future.

The duo played prominent roles for England Under-20s in last year's Junior World Championship success, with Wilson continuing his international exploits by earning a call-up to the England Saxons squad this term.

Quality acquisition

Falcons boss Dean Richards has welcomed the triple boost, saying: "I'm delighted to have secured the services of two of our most promising youngsters in Dom and Scott, and Juan Pablo is a quality acquisition as we build for the future.

"We have been tracking Juan Pablo's progress for quite some time now and I'm looking forward to welcoming him to Kingston Park."

Sheffield-born Barrow joined Newcastle last summer and made his Aviva Premiership debut for Richards' side against Bath Rugby at Kingston Park on the opening weekend of this campaign.

"I was grateful to Newcastle when they gave me the chance to play in the Aviva Premiership, and I want to repay the club for the faith they have shown in me," he said.

"Dean has big plans for the club and I want to be playing at the highest level with Newcastle Falcons week in week out."

Wilson, 19, is also delighted to commit his future, saying: "I've had a great start to the year, especially with my call-up to the Saxons and I'm enjoying my rugby at the moment.

"There is a lot of competition for a starting place in the front-row, but it's competition that I'm relishing and hopefully I can continue to go from strength-to-strength."